Lower Earley Day Nursery and Pre-School

Project SEMH Station Approach, Bath Road, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 8BN

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Main inspection findings

Part 1. Quality of education provided Paragraph 2(1), 2(1)(a)–(b), 2(2), 2(2)(a)–(i)  The proprietor proposes to open an independent school for pupils with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) difficulties. Pupils will be referred to the proposed school by Wiltshire County Council. The proprietor currently operates an alternative provision service for 17 pupils with SEMH. Places are commissioned by the local authority and by schools in the surrounding area.  The proprietor’s intention is to offer full-time education for up to 60 pupils. The proposed school would be located in the project’s current premises and in another building close by in Melksham.  The headteacher has a written curriculum policy. This describes a suite of subjects including English, mathematics, science, physical education (PE) and art that are already taught. Other subjects such as French and music would be introduced. The

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Main inspection findings

headteacher’s plan for the curriculum does not set out what essential knowledge would be taught in these new subjects or in PE.  The curriculum plans include suitable activities to improve pupils’ self-esteem and confidence. This is a strength of the provider’s work. Pupils will learn about life in modern Britain through an ambitious programme of personal, social, health and economic education.  The headteacher recognises the importance of improving pupils’ speaking, listening and literacy skills. She plans to devote sufficient time to teaching pupils how to express themselves clearly.  The headteacher has credible plans to provide pupils with impartial advice about their future careers. She has already taken steps to make links with businesses such as a local café. Working with these businesses will enhance pupils’ employability skills.  Even though there are strengths in their current curriculum, senior leaders do not

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Main inspection findings

have detailed plans about how the current curriculum structure would be adapted to cater for many more pupils and delivered across another site.  The standard in this paragraph is not likely to be met. Paragraph 3, 3(a)–(g), 4  Senior leaders have the necessary knowledge and experience of teaching pupils with SEMH needs. They intend to help other staff provide interesting and motivating lessons that take into account pupils’ needs and prior attainment. Leaders plan to recruit more staff with expertise in meeting pupils’ SEMH needs.  Over time, the headteacher has developed a successful behaviour management strategy. Along with her senior leaders, she has high expectations. Senior leaders and staff support pupils with behavioural difficulties and help them to act responsibly.  Teachers organise their classrooms well and have suitable resources for teaching the pupils who currently attend the provision part time. Senior leaders monitor teachers’

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Main inspection findings

work effectively and provide supervision. They make sure that all staff are well supported.  The headteacher proposes an assessment system that will identify, by a variety of methods, pupils’ starting points and check on their learning. Teachers will use this information to inform their planning of future learning. Parents of pupils who currently attend the provision part time receive regular reports about their children’s achievements.  These standards are likely to be met.  Overall, the standards in this part are not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 2. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils Paragraph 5, 5(a)–(d)  The proprietor, governors and senior leaders are committed to helping pupils to develop their social skills quickly and therefore to grow in self-confidence. They intend to provide a range of activities in the curriculum to meet this aim.  In addition to learning the curriculum, much contact with staff is on a one-to-one basis with learning mentors. These staff will talk to pupils about their lives and model values such as tolerance and the rule of law.  The school will provide other activities that involve people from the local community around the current site. For example, an art project with a local business has recently been used by teachers to promote discussion among pupils of issues that affect the LGBT community. Such activities will further promote pupils’ empathy and tolerance.  The headteacher is clear that all staff and visitors will ensure a balanced presentation

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Main inspection findings

of views about contentious issues. For example, pupils learn about the life of Martin Luther King and use this knowledge as a starting point for discussions about the recent Black Lives Matter demonstrations.  The standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils Paragraph 7, 7(a), 7(b)  The headteacher ensures that the safeguarding policy complies with the latest guidance published by the Secretary of State and that staff understand it. A suitably qualified designated safeguarding lead and two deputy safeguarding leads are already in place. They ensure that regular training and reminders are passed on to staff so that a vigilant safeguarding culture is maintained.  The designated safeguarding lead keeps detailed records of concerns about pupils. She communicates well with external agencies and makes timely referrals when necessary. As a result, pupils receive help and protection when they need it most.  The headteacher develops trust with parents. She has strong links with local schools and the local authority. She uses these relationships to identify risks early and ensure that pupils are supported and kept safe.

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Main inspection findings

 This standard is likely to be met. Paragraph 9, 9(a), 9(b), 10  Senior leaders have a written behaviour policy and an anti-bullying strategy. They have considered how these will be put into practice by staff.  These policies take into account the likely vulnerabilities of pupils with SEMH needs and so they are suited to the proposed school. Senior leaders have developed a clear system for keeping records of any sanctions that are necessary.  When pupils do not regulate their own behaviour, senior leaders use dialogue and discussion to help pupils to better understand their own feelings. Consequently, disputes are often resolved or de-escalated before they grow.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 11  The proprietor has ensured that the proposed school has a comprehensive health and safety policy. However, this has not been adhered to closely enough by staff in the current building. A fault with the hot water supply has not been identified and fixed.

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Main inspection findings

 This standard is not likely to be met. Paragraph 12, 13  The proprietor has ensured that a fire-safety policy is in place. She employs an external consultant to carry out fire safety tests. Fire-safety equipment is installed around the building and this is checked regularly. This meets the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.  Senior leaders have prepared a written first-aid policy. This provides appropriate guidance for staff to administer first aid. It identifies the training staff will receive when they are appointed and how this will be updated. The policy is implemented diligently by staff.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 14, 15  The headteacher ensures that pupils are well supervised. Many pupils work one-to- one with their learning mentors. A rapid expansion in pupil numbers would require many more staff to be trained and deployed.  Leaders understand the requirement to keep an accurate log of pupils’ attendance.

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Main inspection findings

They have an effective system for monitoring pupils’ attendance.  The headteacher has prepared an admission register that will record all the necessary information about pupils when they join the school.  These standards are likely to be met. Paragraph 16, 16(a), 16(b)  A written risk assessment policy for the project is in use. Staff assess risks for places and activities according to the policy. For example, the risks caused by the use of power tools in the design and technology workshop. Other risks, such as the road to the front of the school, are considered. However, the risk assessment process has failed to mitigate the scalding risk posed by the hot water system at the current premises in Melksham and the smaller premises in Trowbridge.  This standard is not likely to be met.  Overall, the standards in this part are not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 4. Suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors Paragraph 18(2), 18(2)(a)–(e), 18(3), 19(2), 19(2)(a)–(d), 19(3), 20(6), 20(6)(a)–(c) 21(1), 21(2), 21(3), 21(3)(a)–(b), 21(5), 21(5)(a), 21(5)(c), 21(6)  The proprietor has a suitable process for maintaining an up-to-date single central register of employment checks on staff. This includes the newly appointed governors. The headteacher is trained in safer recruitment practice.  The proposed school does not plan to use agency staff. Even so, leaders will ensure that if agency staff are used, the required checks will be made.  The standards in this part are likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools Paragraph 23(1), 23(1)(a)–(c), 24(1), 24(1)(a)–(c), 25, 26, 27, 27(a)–(b), 28(1), 28(1)(a)–(d), 28(2), 28(2)(a)–(b), 29(1), 29(1)(a)–(b)  The proprietor operates the current provision from a small, one-storey building close to the railway station in Melksham. The proprietor has made the interior of this building as homely and attractive as possible. Students have helped to personalise the decoration.  The proprietor makes use of another, much smaller facility in the nearby town of Trowbridge. This is a former retail unit with a kitchen, toilet and small office space. This base is used for individual tutoring and counselling. It is well suited for this purpose.  The proprietor’s vision is to continue to operate from the current Melksham site and to take up additional space in a larger building nearby. The proprietor does not currently have an agreement to use this building. Plans for its refurbishment are at an early

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Main inspection findings

stage. Therefore, the proposed maximum number of pupils of 60 is unrealistic. The current building is suitable for a maximum of 15 full-time pupils.  The current building in Melksham has suitable separate toilet facilities for staff and pupils. However, the hot water supply to the toilets and the small kitchen area is not regulated at a safe temperature. This presents a scalding risk to pupils.  The classrooms are accessed off a central meeting room. They all have outside windows for natural light. All rooms are well maintained. Fire safety notices and escape routes are well marked. The furnishing, heating and acoustics of all the rooms are suitable for education. The outdoor approach has a suitable light. Staff provide bottled drinking water for pupils’ use during the day.  The proprietor has set aside a room for the treatment of sick or injured pupils. This room has its own cold-water supply and a foldable bed. It is close to the toilet

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Main inspection findings

facilities.  A small gravel area outside the building is set aside for recreation. Although the staff and pupils have worked hard to clear this area and make it more inviting, it is of limited use because of its size. Leaders intend to use a nearby recreation ground and changing facilities to deliver PE lessons. However, this idea is still at the planning stage.  The proprietor does not have sufficient space for a fourfold increase in the number of pupils because the proposed new building is not ready for use.  The standards in this part are not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 6. Provision of information Paragraph 32(1), 32(1)(a)–(j), 32(2), 32(2)(a)–(d), 32(3), 32(3)(a)–(g)  The headteacher provides policies and documentation on the school website for parents. These include policies describing the school’s approach to managing behaviour, reducing bullying and admission arrangements. The school’s child protection policy is readily available on the website.  Contact details for the proprietor and information about the newly formed governing body are published on the website.  Parents of pupils who currently attend Project SEMH on a part-time basis are provided with a termly report about their child’s achievements.  The standard in this part is likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Part 7. Manner in which complaints are handled Paragraph 33, 33(a)–(k)  The proprietor has drawn up a written complaints policy that is available to all parents on the school website. The policy sets out a clear procedure for dealing with formal complaints. This includes initially attempting to resolve the complaint on an informal basis before initiating a formal process.  Records of complaints and their resolution are kept by the headteacher as is required.  The standard in this part is likely to be met. Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools Paragraph 34(1), 34(1)(a)–(c)  The proprietor has experience and expertise in teaching pupils with SEMH needs. However, she has only recently set up a governing body for the proposed school and so the arrangements for governance are not fully established. The governing body has met once. Senior leaders are not clear about how they will be held to account for their

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Main inspection findings

actions.  Although the proprietor and senior leaders understand the independent school standards, they have not ensured that these are consistently met for the current premises. The proprietor has not thought through the proposed accommodation sufficiently to ensure that the standards relating to premises would be securely met in the future.  The proprietor has not actively promoted the well-being of pupils because deficiencies in the health and safety arrangements at the current premises have exposed pupils to unnecessary risk.  The standard in this part is not likely to be met.

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Main inspection findings

Schedule 10 of the Equality Act 2010  The proprietor has not fulfilled her duty under the Equalities Act 2010 because she has not drawn up a suitable accessibility plan for the current premises or the proposed other site.

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Compliance with regulatory requirements

The school is unlikely to meet the requirements of the schedule to The Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014 ('the independent school standards') and associated requirements, as set out in the annex of this report.

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Proposed school details

This inspection was carried out under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008, the purpose of which is to advise the Secretary of State for Education about the school's likely compliance with the independent school standards that are required for registration as an independent school.

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Proposed school details

School status Independent special school

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Proposed school details

Annual fees (day pupils) £20,500–£32,500

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Proposed school details

Date of previous standard inspection Not previously inspected

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Provider already operating

Number of pupils of compulsory school age 17 Number of pupils of compulsory school age for whom a statement is maintained under section 324, or who is looked after by a local authority Total hours operating as a school per week none

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Provider already operating

Total hours of teaching provided per week 17

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n

Age range of pupils 11-18 11-18 11-18 Number of pupils on the school roll none 60 15

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n

The current building has sufficient teaching rooms and other spaces to provide education for up to 15 pupils.

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School's current position School's proposal

Gender of pupils Mixed Mixed Number of full-time pupils of compulsory school age none 60

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities 17 60

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan 14 30

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School's current position School's proposal

Of which, number of pupils paid for by a local authority with a statement of special educational needs or an education, health and care plan 14 30

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of full-time equivalent teaching staff 4 14

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School's current position School's proposal

Number of staff in the welfare provision 9 18

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Information about this proposed school

 The proposed school is located in the town of Melksham, Wiltshire. It currently operates from an industrial unit on the approach road to Melksham railway station. The school uses a meeting room in the centre of Trowbridge. This is a small former retail unit.  The proposed school would cater for pupils with SEMH needs. The majority of these pupils would have attended secondary schools in the local area.

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Information about this inspection

 The inspection was conducted by Ofsted under section 99 of the Education and Skills Act 2008.  This was the school’s first pre-registration inspection. The proposed school is currently operating as an alternative provision. It admits part-time pupils who are on roll at local secondary schools. Wiltshire County Council commissions part-time places for pupils who are currently educated other than at school.  The lead inspector met with the proprietor, who is the headteacher, and the governing board. Meetings were also held with senior leaders, tutors and the designated safeguarding leader. The lead inspector held a telephone conversation with a representative of Wiltshire County Council.  The lead inspector toured the main school site and visited the smaller facility in the centre of Trowbridge. This included brief visits to English and mathematics lessons and observation of lunchtime activities.  The lead inspector scrutinised documents provided by the proprietor prior to the

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Information about this inspection

inspection and further documents provided on the day of the inspection. Information included curriculum plans, school policies and documents relating to keeping pupils safe.

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Inspection team

Paul Williams, lead inspector Her Majesty's Inspector

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Part 1. Quality of education provided

 2(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if- – 2(1)(a) the proprietor ensures that a written policy on the curriculum, supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, which provides for the matters specified in sub-paragraph (2) is drawn up and implemented effectively; and  2(2) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(1)(a), the matters are- – 2(2)(a) full-time supervised education for pupils of compulsory school age (construed in accordance with section 8 of the Education Act 1996), which gives pupils experience in linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, human and social, physical and aesthetic and creative education;  3 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the teaching at the school- – 3(a) enables pupils to acquire new knowledge and make good progress according to their ability so that they increase their understanding and develop their skills in the

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Part 3. Welfare, health and safety of pupils

 11 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that relevant health and safety laws are complied with by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written health and safety policy.  16 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 16(a) the welfare of pupils at the school is safeguarded and promoted by the drawing up and effective implementation of a written risk assessment policy; and – 16(b) appropriate action is taken to reduce risks that are identified. –

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

 23(1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 23(1)(a) suitable toilet and washing facilities are provided for the sole use of pupils; – 23(1)(b) separate toilet facilities for boys and girls aged 8 years or over are provided except where the toilet facility is provided in a room that can be secured from the inside and that is intended for use by one pupil at a time; and – 23(1)(c) suitable changing accommodation and showers are provided for pupils aged 11 years or over at the start of the school year who receive physical education.  24(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable accommodation is provided in order to cater for the medical and therapy needs of pupils, including- – 24(1)(a) accommodation for the medical examination and treatment of pupils; – 24(1)(b) accommodation for the short term care of sick and injured pupils, which

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

includes a washing facility and is near to a toilet facility; and  24(2) The accommodation provided under sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b) may be used for other purposes (apart from teaching) provided it is always readily available to be used for the purposes set out in sub-paragraphs (1)(a) and (b).  25 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the school premises and the accommodation and facilities provided therein are maintained to a standard such that, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of pupils are ensured.  26 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that the acoustic conditions and sound insulation of each room or other space are suitable, having regard to the nature of the activities which normally take place therein.  27 The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 27(a) the lighting in each room or other internal space is suitable, having regard to the

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

nature of the activities which normally take place therein; and – 27(b) external lighting is provided in order to ensure that people can safely enter and leave the school premises.  28(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that- – 28(1)(a) suitable drinking water facilities are provided; – 28(1)(b) toilets and urinals have an adequate supply of cold water and washing facilities have an adequate supply of hot and cold water; – 28(1)(c) cold water supplies that are suitable for drinking are clearly marked as such; and – 28(1)(d) the temperature of hot water at the point of use does not pose a scalding risk to users.  28(2) The facilities provided under sub-paragraph (1)(a) will be suitable only if- – 28(2)(a) they are readily accessible at all times when the premises are in use; and – 28(2)(b) they are in a separate area from the toilet facilities.  29(1) The standard in this paragraph is met if the proprietor ensures that suitable

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Part 5. Premises of and accommodation at schools

outdoor space is provided in order to enable- – 29(1)(a) physical education to be provided to pupils in accordance with the school curriculum; and – 29(1)(b) pupils to play outside. –

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

 34(1) The standard about the quality of leadership and management is met if the proprietor ensures that persons with leadership and management responsibilities at the school- – 34(1)(a) demonstrate good skills and knowledge appropriate to their role so that the independent school standards are met consistently; – 34(1)(b) fulfil their responsibilities effectively so that the independent school standards are met consistently; and – 34(1)(c) actively promote the well-being of pupils. guidance 'Raising concerns and making a complaint about Ofsted', which is available from Ofsted's website: www.gov.uk/government/publications/complaints-about-ofsted . If you would like Ofsted to send you a copy of the guidance, please telephone 0300 123 4234, or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk .

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

Parent View You can use Parent View to give Ofsted your opinion on your child's school. Ofsted will use the information parents and carers provide when deciding which schools to inspect and when and as part of the inspection.

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

You can also use Parent View to find out what other parents and carers think about schools in England. You can visit www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk , or look for the link on the main Ofsted website: www.gov.uk/ofsted .

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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Part 8. Quality of leadership in and management of schools

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